Karate for Life
1977, Japanese. Directed by Kazuhiko Yamaguchi.
The last of the Masutatsu Oyama trilogy. Oyama takes a job as a professional wrestler in Okinawa, but when he discovers that he is expected to take a dive, he quits in disgust. However, when a friend finds herself in desperate need of medical supplies, Oyama steps back in the ring to raise the money—but will he be able to follow the script this time?
- Runtime
- 1h 31m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- Japanese
- Rated
- Check local
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Where to watch Karate for Life
Karate for Life is streaming on Shout! Factory in India.
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Tubi TVAvailability in India as of 11 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Part of a series
Masutatsu Oyama Trilogy: watch order
Cast & crew
Details
- Released
- 14 May 1977
- Original title
- 空手バカ一代
- Country
- Japan
- Written by
- Ikki Kajiwara, Masahiro Kakefuda
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
What Karate for Life is based on
Karate for Life is based on Karate Master, a manga series by Ikki Kajiwara, published by Kodansha Comics.
Manga series
Karate Master
By Ikki Kajiwara
Published by Kodansha Comics
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
Watch before Karate for Life
In release order. The films it follows, and anything it builds on.
If you liked Karate for Life
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Karate for Life: quick answers
What should I watch before Karate for Life?
Watch Karate Bullfighter (1975) and Karate Bear Fighter (1975) first.
Is Karate for Life worth watching?
Karate for Life doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is Karate for Life?
Karate for Life runs 91 minutes (1h 31m).
Does Karate for Life have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Karate for Life. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Karate for Life parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
No age rating is listed for Karate for Life yet.
Which OTT platform is Karate for Life on?
Karate for Life is streaming on Shout! Factory in India. (Checked 11 November 2026.)
What movies are like Karate for Life?
If you liked Karate for Life, try In the Blood, Beast, Shootfighter: Fight to the Death.
Who directed Karate for Life?
Karate for Life (1977) was directed by Kazuhiko Yamaguchi and stars Sonny Chiba, Hideo Murota, Masaru Shiga.
What is Karate for Life based on?
Karate for Life is based on Karate Master, a manga series by Ikki Kajiwara, published by Kodansha Comics.